8 Questions with……..actress/director Corrie Legge

Look who is up at the crack of somewhat dawn….I actually woke the cheetah up for a change. Well why wouldn’t be up early….I got my interview back from Corrie Legge and I am eager to get it posted so you all can meet her as well.
As with many of the artists that I have talked to here,Corrie is mult-talented…balancing acting,writing,directing and of course the ultimate skill….wedding planner!! Anyone who can all four and not lose their mind is someone bound for glory. Or at least a long and happy marriage!
I’m looking forward to seeing Corrie’s two shorts once they get out of their festival runs. You can rest assured that the cheetah and I will be looking at those two films and whatever else Corrie has planned. But for today,I’ll happy with asking her 8 Questions..

Please introduce yourself and tell us what you are currently working on.

Hi! I’m Corrie Legge. I’m an actor, writer, director living in NYC with my fiancé, Ben, and our mini-poodle, Cooper. Ben and I own a production company together, Lyricy Films. Right now we have two films on the festival circuit and several other projects in development. Our first film, SELF PORTRAIT is a semi-experimental short that follows a young woman (played by me) as she reflects on the authenticity of memory by watching a stage reenactment of the same family dinner told from 3 different perspectives. Our second film on the circuit, MAXIMUM WAGE is a dramedy short which follows a headstrong millennial (played by me) as she argues with her insecure girlfriend about whether or not cutting her own pay makes her an anti-feminist. We are also currently in development with both a pilot script for a limited series, and a feature film. And finally, we’re entering pre-production for a drama/thriller short that we hope to shoot this summer.

When did you know you wanted to be a actress? Who encouraged you the most in pursuing acting?

It sounds so cliche, but I don’t ever remember not acting. My grandmother likes to take credit for taking me to my first play, The Wizard of Oz, as a two year old. According to her, I stood on my chair, leaning on the seat in front of me, mesmerized, for the entire show. A two-year-old, captivated for an entire play, that should have been a sign to everyone. As I got older, I began my love affair with the camera. Literally. On all our home videos from the time I could talk, I end the video by asking “can we watch it on TV now?”. I also talked directly to the camera as if it were a person: “Hi Camera”, “Watch this Camera”. As I got older, I began my content creation days by directing and acting in “Brother and Sister” videos with my brother as my (uncooperative) co-star and my dad as DP. From there, the rest is history. I am so fortunate that my family has been incredibly supportive through the entire process. My parents would drive me to endless auditions and rehearsals, help me run lines, and wipe away the tears when the part didn’t come. I’m eternally grateful to them.

What was your first professional job and how did you get it?

My first professional job was a small part in an indie film that shot in Boston. I was going to school in the Boston area at the time. Most of my experience was in theatre, I didn’t even have a reel or professional headshots yet. The clips I sent out with my submissions included an “interview” I had done with one of my acting teachers, and a monologue I’d filmed as part of an on-camera class I took while studying abroad. Being on set was so thrilling, all the energy and equipment. It was so different from theatre, and I loved it.

What three people have influenced you the most in life and how did they do it?

It’s so hard to just pick three. This career takes a silent army of people behind you, supporting you, at all steps in the process. My dad raised me with the expression “find a job you love and never work another day”. That’s acting for me, and I’m so fortunate to be able to pursue it. My mom quit her corporate job after 20 years and started her own company, and couldn’t be happier. My stepdad followed suit only last year. Watching their bravery as they pursue what they love gives me confidence to keep working towards what I love. And of course my fiance, Ben. We met on set, and since then have taken the leap into this unpredictable industry together. I’m so grateful to have someone like him by my side.

What does the word “artist” mean to you?

Artist is simply “someone who creates art”. No need to put more weight to it, and therefore more fear around it. Anyone can be an artist, you just need to be brave enough to do it. You don’t need to make money through your art to be an artist. It doesn’t need to be deemed “great art” by critics. If you make art, you’re an artist. Simple as that.

*You’re at a audition and while waiting in to be seen, someone asks you for advice/help- how would you handle this knowing this actor is going for the same role you are?

Oh I help as best I can, no question! Actors need to have each other’s backs. If this role is for them, then it was never for me, and vice versa. Nothing I say can change that. All helping does is spread positivity in an industry that can seem so negative at times, especially in audition waiting rooms!

You did a short film called “Self Portrait”…what was the experience like wearing all the creative hats and which role did you enjoy the most?

Self Portrait was a huge learning experience for me. It was my directorial debut, so obviously I was nervous. Then on top of that I was also acting in the film, so the stakes were pretty high for me. But I was SO fortunate to have an incredible team beside me. Our producers were amazing, organized, and excelled at putting out fires before I even knew they existed. And having a co-director that I trusted was key. While I was in actor mode and unavailable to the crew, I knew he was representing our vision. Trust in your crew is so important, especially when you’re wearing multiple hats. I’m so lucky to have had a crew that allowed me to do just that.

Which three directors would you like to work with and why?

Dee Rees

If you haven’t seen MUDBOUND, do yourself a favor and watch it. It’s beautiful, honest, and creative storytelling, and I cannot wait to see where Dee Rees goes next. It would be an honor to work with her.

Jim Cummings

I was first introduced to Jim Cummings work at Sundance several years back, when his short film THUNDER ROAD won. I never felt so many different and conflicting emotions over the course of such a short piece (and a one take no less!). Since then, I’ve loved watching his continued success, and hope someday I’m lucky enough to work with him.

Darren Aronofsky

BLACK SWAN is one of my favorite movies of all time – so I would totally geek out to have the opportunity to work with Aronofsky.

How do you challenge yourself to be a better actress?

I’m constantly in class (shout out to Kimball Studios)! Choosing challenging materials to work with, and having teachers who will call me out when I’m phoning it in, is key. Plus, if you’re an actor and have never done a Balliatics class at Kimball, I highly recommend it. It’s the perfect weekly actor workout.

In addition to class, I think staying connected to stories is hugely important to actors. I love to read. I love to travel, and try new activities. Anything that can open my eyes to understand people in ways I may not have before, feeds my acting muscle.

The cheetah and I are flying in to watch you perform but we are a day early and you are now our tour guide,what are we doing?

First, citi-bike around Central Park. Then we’re going to this really awesome speakeasy in my neighborhood, can’t tell you the name or I’d be breaking their code of silence , but lets just say there’s an unexpected Alice in Wonderland theme.

I like to thank Corrie for taking the time out of her extremely busy schedule to chat with us. *I also like to thank Zach Braff for the inspiration for Question Six. In his film “Wish I Was Here” there is a scene where his character,a struggling actor himself,helps another person at an audition….I wondered just how realistic that was and decided to ask working actors what they would do.
Now to keep a eye on Corrie and her blazing comet of a career:

You can catch the latest news by checking out Corrie’s personal website.